The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the commencement of registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), assuring candidates that comprehensive systems have been deployed nationwide to ensure a seamless and hitch-free exercise.
The Board advised prospective candidates to register strictly at approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, professional registration outlets, or JAMB offices, warning that engaging unauthorised operators could result in disqualification, loss of registration details, or other complications that may jeopardise candidates’ chances.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with key stakeholders, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, highlighted persistent challenges arising from biodata inconsistencies among candidates.
He urged applicants with errors in their names, dates of birth, or other personal information to resolve such issues directly with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) before initiating the UTME registration process.
According to Oloyede, JAMB will rely exclusively on data provided by NIMC for the 2026 UTME and will not recognise or process corrections submitted through alternative channels.
He stressed that failure to regularise biodata issues ahead of registration could automatically disqualify affected candidates.
The registrar disclosed that UTME registration for candidates within Nigeria and those in foreign centres will run from Monday, January 26, to Saturday, February 28, 2026, adding that the sale of electronic Personal Identification Numbers (e-PINs) commenced on January 19 and would close on February 26, ahead of the registration deadline.
For Direct Entry (DE) applicants, Oloyede announced that the sale of forms and e-PINs would begin on Monday, March 2, and end on Saturday, April 25, 2026. He clarified that DE registration would be conducted strictly at JAMB zonal and state offices nationwide.
JAMB also unveiled the approved cost structure for the 2026 examination. Candidates sitting for the UTME without the Mock examination will pay ₦7,200, while those opting for the Mock-UTME will pay ₦8,700. Direct Entry applicants are to pay ₦5,700.
The registrar explained that the fees cover the application form, prescribed reading materials, CBT registration and examination charges, bank transaction costs, and the additional Mock-UTME fee where applicable.
On the examination timetable, JAMB announced that the Mock-UTME is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026, while the main UTME will be conducted from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Meanwhile, Oloyede issued a stern warning to CBT centre operators against extortion, overcharging, and other sharp practices. He cautioned that any centre found violating JAMB regulations would face immediate withdrawal of licence and possible prosecution.
He further reminded CBT proprietors that they would be held fully accountable for the actions of all temporary and ad-hoc staff engaged for the exercise, stressing that ignorance would not be accepted as a defence in cases of malpractice.